More about Anguilla
Why go to Anguilla?
Possibly the Caribbean's finest collection of beaches, served with a side of fine dining.
Scrubby, uninteresting landscape; limited activities beyond the sea and sand.
It's beach bum and foodie heaven and colorful island tours might leave you wanting more.
Anguilla Cruise Port Facilities?
Anguilla is a tender port, and you'll come ashore at Road Town, a small dock fronting a beach village known as Sandy Ground. Customs formalities are simple and straightforward.
Good to Know?
Like St. Barts, Anguilla draws A-list celebrities looking for upscale resorts packaging privacy and pampering. While many of them stay sequestered in their extravagant villas or by the resort pool, don't be surprised if you see Ellen DeGeneres, Paul McCartney and other Page Six types tooling around in a rental car in search of an under-the-radar lobster lunch.
Getting Around?
On Foot: While Anguilla is relatively flat and easy to navigate, there are few sidewalks and walking along dusty roads with little to no shade is no fun. If you want to explore on foot beyond Sandy Ground, get yourself to a long carpet of sand, like Rendezvous Bay or Shoal Bay, and enjoy a beach walk.
By Public Transportation: There is no public transportation connecting Sandy Ground with most beaches or sights.
By Taxi: Because of the limited services on Anguilla, taxis might be in short supply when you arrive. Budget $20 to $30 for a taxi for two to most points on the island; add $5 for each additional passenger. A two-hour island tour runs about $55.
By Rental Car: Since taxi fares can add up quickly, a rental car could be your best option if you want to really see the island. Be aware that you'll be driving on the left, and roads aren't always in great shape, but traffic is so light that these shouldn't be issues. There are few pedestrians along the roads, though goats do scamper about.
The supply of rental cars is limited, so you'll want to reserve a car in advance. Most vehicles will cost under $50 per day to rent. Andy's Rentals, Bryans Car Rental and Junie's Car Rental are among the options that provide online booking. You'll need to purchase an Anguilla driver's license, which is $25 for a three-month permit -- the rental car company will supply the paperwork and can process the application on the spot.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
Anguilla is a dual-currency island, and ATMs give you the option of receiving cash in US dollars or Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollars. Menu prices are in U.S. currency, so there's little reason to opt for EC dollars. There are no ATMs at Sandy Ground (where your ship will be docked); you'll need to go 3 miles away into The Valley, Anguilla's main settlement, to find a bank with an ATM. Credit cards are accepted at most island restaurants. (For current currency conversion figures, visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com.)
Language?
English is the language of Anguilla.